The Chinese Embassy in Brazil called recent comments by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai “irresponsible” after Tai suggested that Brazil should carefully consider potential risks before joining China’s international Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or New Silk Road project. In a statement on Saturday, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Li Qi argued that Tai’s remarks “disregard Brazil’s sovereignty and overlook the equal and mutually beneficial nature of Sino-Brazilian cooperation.”

The U.S. official’s comments were made during a Bloomberg event in São Paulo on Wednesday, where Tai advised caution regarding China’s infrastructure megaproject. She urged Brazil to consider what path would strengthen resilience for both the Brazilian and global economies, especially as competition between the U.S. and China grows.

Chinese authorities defended the BRI as a high-level, open initiative aimed at fostering inclusive global economic growth. The project, launched in 2013, encourages partnership among countries with shared aspirations for broad, cooperative development, and offers a platform for extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Brazil in November could provide the backdrop for formalizing an agreement on Brazil’s participation in the initiative, potentially through a bilateral meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília.

Lula previously signaled interest in the initiative, expressing openness to discuss how Brazil might benefit from it. “The Chinese want to discuss the ‘Silk Road’ with us, and we’re open to it,” he remarked in August. Emphasizing a balanced approach, he explained, “This doesn’t mean we’re turning away from the U.S.; we want both the U.S. and China as partners.” Lula stressed that Brazil would only proceed if its interests are clearly served, stating, “Brazil will only be respected if we have our own projects.” 

As Brazil navigates the pressures from both global powers, Lula’s statements reflect a cautious but open stance towards joining the BRI while ensuring that Brazil’s autonomy and strategic interests remain central.